Cool things don’t have to necessarily be brand new, this week we have a Ribble CGR Ti frame on long term test and ready to adorn with new Shimano GRX. We’ve also got tasty treats from Outdoor Provisions, a nifty X-Tools chain cleaner and some new riding gear from Cube. 

 

Ribble CGR Ti frameset

This lovely looking titanium all-rounder is offered as a frameset for £1,799 from direct sales brand Ribble. Rachael chose this bike as a longterm test rig for a 1x Shimano GRX groupset and a mixture of 700c and 650B wheels. There is space for 45c tyres on 700c wheels (42mm with mudguards) and plenty of room for knobblier versions with a smaller wheel. The frame also gets a 27.2mm seat tube, perfect for a budget Brand-X dropper we have on test. 

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2019-10-21 Cool things-1 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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2019-10-21 Cool things-4 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Claimed weight for the frame is 1,800g and 550g for the full carbon fork. Elsewhere there is a threaded bottom bracket, thru axles and internal cable routing. 

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2019-10-21 Cool things-5 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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2019-10-21 Cool things-3 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Here’s the Shimano GRX to be fitted along with 650B GRX wheels and alternative DT Swiss G1800 700c wheels. 

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Shimano GRX 1x-9 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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2019-8-20 Cool things Spank DT Swiss wheels-4 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

Outdoor Provisions energy bars

We’ve been snacking on these since they arrived at the office, both pre and post ride and we’ll soon be taking them out on the trail too! We’ve got both the Kendal Mint Cake and the Cherry Bakewell energy bars, both of which have all natural ingredients and each is inspired by a location known for its outdoor adventure activities in the UK, we like…..

You can buy them in boxes of 18 for £27 or packs of 4 for £7. The guys at Outdoor Provisions told us they are giving 30% off first orders so they are £18.90 and £4.90 respectively.

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2019-10-08 Cool things -13 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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2019-10-08 Cool things -14 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

X-Tools Pro chain cleaner

A simple and easy way to clean your chain, the X-Tools Pro chain cleaner is a nifty gadget for those times you want a full degrease. This one runs the chain through 2 sets of roller brushes, a set of wipers and finally a sponge. Then there’s a magnet on the base to attract metallic particles and prevent them from getting back into the drivetrain.

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2019-10-08 Cool things -4 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

Cube Gear

Cube AM WS Storm Jacket

Perfect to kick off the winter test season, this women’s waterproof is relatively lightweight, 2.5 layer waterproof with welded seams, a waterproof zip and updated styling to that which we have seen from Cube in the past. You’d have to look hard to see this is a Cube branded jacket.  

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2019-10-08 Cool things -20 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Cube AM WS Round Neck Jersey

Another winter staple, the long sleeved mountain bike jersey will be the one you pull from the drawer time and time again from now until the spring. This one from Cube is again, subtly branded, built to wick sweat and comes in this bright coral, plus a light blue and a black colourway. 

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2019-10-08 Cool things -21 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

Cube Performance WS Long Finger Gloves

These are lightweight, long finger gloves which are compatible with touch screens. There’s no padding on the ventilated palm and a large snot wipe on each thumb. We aren’t sure on the price of these, looks like you can find them on the web for about £22…. we’ll update you on that one soon. 

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2019-10-08 Cool things -22 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Cube Edge Trail backpack

The Cube Edge is a large 16L pack with a removable back protector, a separate rear compartment for a water bladder, plenty of pockets both internally and externally and capacity to carry a helmet.  It looks like its ready for some big adventures. 

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2019-10-08 Cool things -24 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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2019-10-08 Cool things -25 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Troy Lee DesignsAce 2.0  women’s gloves

Light, sleek and in some awesome colours, the Troy Lee Designs Ace 2.0 gloves got four our of five stars when Jon reviewed them last year. These are the women’s fit pair ready for testing before the temperature gets too cold.

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2019-10-08 Cool things -23 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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